Eight Dead – One Hurt After Helicopter Crashes in Louisiana Marsh

A Louisiana helicopter heading for an offshore oil platform crashed in a Louisiana marsh leaving eight dead and one injured. It is a tragic incident for those in the helicopter as well as their families. The helicopter was operated by PHI, Inc. News reports state that the helicopter crashed a short time period after take off. The helicopter was operated by two pilots and had seven passengers. The crash took place near New Orleans in a marsh located in the Terrebonne Parish. The seven passengers were employees of two Shell Oil Company contractors as they were traveling to the oil platform. In most States, there are specific laws in place dealing with wrongful death worker’s compensation matters. In addition, there may be a third party liability case against the helicopter operators, owners, and manufacturers for the wrongful deaths and personal injuries. The National Transportation Safety Board and other government agencies will conduct an investigation as to the cause of the crash. The NTSB will examine the flight recorders, wreckage, and other evidence and artifacts from this crash.

The victims of this crash were identified as Andrew Moricio, Ezequiel Cantu, Allen Boudreaux, Randy Tarpley, Jorey Rivero, Charles W. Nelson, Stevem Yeltin, Thomas E. Ballenger, and Vyarl W. Martin. The victims were from various States including Louisiana, Florida, Texas, and Alabama.